Kerala PSC exam scam: SIT uncovers role of officials in irregularities

Thiruvananthapuram: The Crime Branch Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) examinations and recruitments has reportedly obtained crucial information pointing to the involvement of PSC officials. Based on the findings, the SIT is expected to submit a report to the court within days, naming PSC officials as accused in the Planning Board examination irregularity case.

The SIT has so far registered one case linked to the Planning Board examination. However, information gathered during several days of searches at the PSC headquarters is expected to lead to another case involving a different examination. The investigation is now reportedly widening towards senior PSC officials, including the Chairman.

The SIT has received complaints concerning nearly 100 examinations conducted by the PSC and is examining each allegation in detail. The probe has been expanded with assistance from technical experts, whose examination has reportedly produced crucial evidence of officials' involvement.

Investigators suspect that officials' manipulation and interference during the evaluation process facilitated the irregularities. The probe is also examining allegations of political interference during the previous government's tenure, with SIT sources indicating that three PSC officials may have been directly involved in the examination irregularities.

The investigation has focused in particular on alleged manipulation in online screening and marking. During the Planning Board examination, investigators reportedly found clear evidence of irregularities, including the alleged bypassing of question-evaluation procedures for certain candidates.

The SIT has also received complaints of manipulation in interviews linked to several examinations. However, investigators maintain that a detailed probe into allegations related to interviews would require court intervention. Statements have already been recorded from people connected with complaints concerning other examinations, and these will form part of the continuing investigation.

The SIT is expected to expand the probe further in the coming days as investigators examine the evidence and identify those allegedly responsible.